Poly(L‑lactide) (PLLA, MW 40‑60K) is semi‑crystalline biodegradable aliphatic polyester prepared by ring‑opening polymerization of high‑purity L‑lactide. Regular isotactic L‑chain configuration enables the formation of stable crystalline domains, which distinguishes it completely from amorphous PDLLA. This medium‑high‑molecular‑weight PLLA delivers enhanced tensile strength and modulus compared with lower‑MW PLLA grades. It follows typical two‑phase hydrolytic degradation: amorphous domains degrade preferentially, while crystalline regions slow down bulk hydrolysis, resulting in longer in‑vivo degradation cycle relative to PDLLA of identical molecular weight. Degradation produces endogenous L‑lactic acid that can be metabolized and eliminated by organism with favorable biocompatibility. It is widely used for fabricating high‑strength microspheres, electrospun fibrous membranes, porous tissue‑engineering scaffolds, and serves as prepolymer for further end‑group functional modification in biomedical research.
Key Features
- MW: 40000‑60000 Da, semi‑crystalline poly(L‑lactide); Tg ≈56‑64 °C, Tm ≈168‑178 °C
- Semi‑crystalline microstructure; amorphous regions undergo preferential hydrolysis, crystalline segments retard overall degradation rate; degrades slower than equivalent‑MW PDLLA
- Improved mechanical strength and modulus; compatible with electrospinning, solvent casting, thermal pressing, microsphere/nanoparticle preparation
- Excellent biocompatibility; degradation metabolite is endogenous L‑lactic acid
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF; sparingly soluble in hot toluene; insoluble in water, short‑chain alcohols and aliphatic alkanes
- Hygroscopic polymer; ester bonds are vulnerable to moisture‑catalyzed hydrolysis; strict moisture‑proof handling and storage are required
Applications
- Matrix material for high‑strength PLLA microspheres and nanoparticles for long‑term sustained release of small‑molecule drugs, peptides and bioactive macromolecules
- Raw material for high‑performance biodegradable fiber membranes and structural porous scaffolds for tissue‑engineering research
- Prepolymer intermediate for terminal functionalization to synthesize diverse end‑modified PLLA derivatives
- Research‑grade raw material for absorbable polymer and regenerative biomaterial study
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry sealed condition; strictly moisture‑proof; avoid drastic temperature‑humidity fluctuations
- Fully equilibrate container to room temperature before opening package to prevent condensation‑water contamination
- Hermetically seal immediately after partial sampling; repeated freeze‑thaw cycles are prohibited
- For research‑only use; not intended for direct clinical or diagnostic applications
AxisPharm offers 5000+ PEG Linkers with high purity. Different kinds of PEG Reagents may be available by custom synthesis.